Rashid Khan Becomes Leading Wicket-Taker in T20 Internationals

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan created history in a T20I tri-series game against the United Arab Emirates in Sharjah on Monday, September 1. The leg-spinner became the highest wicket-taker in T20 internationals. He broke the record of former New Zealand pacer Tim Southee.

Rashid achieved the milestone in just 98 matches, making him the fastest bowler to do so. The 26-year-old now has 165 wickets. Southee had 164 wickets from 126 games. Rashid reached the record when he dismissed Dhruv Parashar. He also picked up the wickets of Ethan Dsouza and Rahul Chopra. His final figures were 3 for 21 in four overs.

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The latest record adds to Rashid’s incredible T20 career. He already holds the record for most wickets in all T20 matches. He has 661 wickets in 488 games. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), he has 158 wickets in 136 matches. He continues to be one of the most consistent bowlers in the shortest format.

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The top five wicket-takers in T20Is

1. Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) – 165 wickets in 98 matches
2. Tim Southee (New Zealand) – 164 wickets in 126 matches
3. Ish Sodhi (New Zealand) – 150 wickets in 126 matches
4. Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh) – 149 wickets in 129 matches
5. Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh) – 142 wickets in 113 matches

In all T20 cricket, Rashid is followed by Dwayne Bravo with 631 wickets and Sunil Narine with 591. Imran Tahir and Shakib Al Hasan complete the top five.

Afghanistan Beat UAE to Start Asia Cup Preparations

The historic milestone came in a winning cause. Afghanistan beat UAE by 38 runs in the tri-series opener. Batting first, Afghanistan scored 188 for 4. Ibrahim Zadran top-scored with 63 from 40 balls. Sediqullah Atal hit 54 off 40. Together they added 84 runs for the second wicket.

In reply, UAE managed 150 for 8. Skipper Muhammad Waseem fought hard with 67 runs from 37 balls. Rahul Chopra remained unbeaten on 52. Rashid Khan and Sharafuddin Ashraf both took three wickets each.

Afghanistan will face Pakistan next in the tri-series on Tuesday, September 2.